Arcarchiving...
Arcarchiving...
Chapter 1.11
Running out of food, Erin Solstice travels to the city of Liscor for supplies. She enters the Adventurer's Guild seeking information but is immediately intimidated and forced out by a hostile Gnoll. Elsewhere in the city, a Drake barmaid named Drassi is fired for gossiping.
Having exhausted her food supply aside from shriveled blue fruits, Erin Solstice decides she must go to the city of Liscor for provisions. Wrestling with her new identity as an [Innkeeper], she acknowledges her responsibility to feed her guests and resolves to make the long journey on foot.
Erin's walk to Liscor is uneventful. Upon reaching the city's eastern gate, she is met by a gruff, yellow-scaled [Drake] guard who shows open disdain for [Humans] but allows her to pass. Inside, the city is a bustling hub filled with [Drakes] and [Gnolls]. Just past the gate, Erin observes a towering [Gnoll] [Hunter] carrying the carcass of a large [Corusdeer].
Looking for a place to gather information and potentially find work, Erin locates the [Adventurer's Guild]. The interior is filled with intimidating, armed individuals. She cautiously approaches the front desk, where a [Drake] [Receptionist] named Selys is working.
Before Erin can properly inquire about anything, she is confronted by a large, aggressive [Gnoll] adventurer. The [Gnoll] berates her, questioning her presence and calling her weak. Frightened by the sudden hostility and feeling unwelcome, Erin quickly flees the guild.
In a separate scene, a [Drake] [Barmaid] named Drassi is fired by her manager, Mister Drells, for gossiping on the job.
After running out of food and growing tired of eating only blue fruits, Erin Solstice resolves to make the long journey to the city of Liscor to purchase proper supplies for her inn.
Erin arrives at Liscor's eastern gate and is met with hostility by a Drake guard. Despite the cold welcome, she is permitted to enter the bustling city.
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the traveller +39
A guild hall in Liscor where adventurers gather, accept quests, and turn in bounties.
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
While visiting the Adventurer's Guild, Erin is verbally accosted by an aggressive Gnoll adventurer. The Gnoll's hostility intimidates Erin, causing her to flee the building without getting any information.
In a tavern in Liscor, a Drake barmaid named Drassi is fired by her manager, Mister Drells, for her habit of gossiping with patrons.
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +4
Referenced as a meat-based dish (type of deer) by Klbkch when inquiring about available food; not present in scene.
aka half of one, half a deer +1
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +7
A very tall Gnoll hunter whom Erin meets just inside Liscor's gates, carrying half of a magical deer.
The Drake manager of an establishment in Liscor who fires Drassi.
aka an angry Drake, an angry Drake with black scales
A friendly and helpful Drake who works as a receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild in Liscor.
aka the female receptionist, the she-Drake +2
A class for individuals who process and sell meat.
aka [Butchers], [Butcher] +3
A class for women who serve drinks and food in taverns or inns.
aka [Barmaid]
A class focused on running inns, hospitality, and tending to guests and establishments.
aka [Innkeeper], Innkeeper (class) +3
A gruff, yellow-scaled Drake guarding the eastern gate of Liscor who shows disdain for Humans.
A Drake [Driver] who nearly runs Erin over with her wagon in Liscor.
aka The driver on the wagon, another Drake +3
A gossipy, yellow-scaled Drake [Barmaid] in Liscor who gets fired.
aka The barmaid, a Drake with orange scales +1
A class for people who operate vehicles like wagons for transport or delivery.
aka [Driver], The driver +2
A hostile and belligerent Gnoll adventurer who confronts Erin in the Adventurer's Guild and forces her to leave.
An organization that deals with magical issues, such as teleportation spells.
A Drake [Butcher] in Liscor who haggles with the Gnoll hunter over a Corusdeer carcass.
aka the Drake, the [Butcher] +1
An archer is a class defined by specialized equipment for ranged combat, as seen with a tall, furry individual in Liscor.
aka Archer, an archer
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +3
A class for those who hunt creatures in the wild for food, materials, or bounties.
aka [Hunters]
A skill that likely increases a person's carrying capacity.
aka [Broader Shoulders]
A receptionist is a class responsible for greeting visitors and providing information, exemplified by Selys at the Adventurer's Guild.
aka Receptionist, The female receptionist +2
“You. You’re stinking up this place with dirt and filth. I can smell the things you’ve rolled in. You haven’t washed in—dead gods. I’m covered in Shield Spider guts and you smell worse! Take a bath before you come back here.”
“And I want food. Real food. Not fruit. I want bread! I want pasta! I want pizza and soda and salad and ice cream—actually, forget the ice cream. I need meat. Or fish that doesn’t bite back! I want sushi, cheeseburgers and fries, toast, waffles…cereal…”
“I don’t like Humans. They smell. You smell like garbage. Like rancid oil and flames and things that turn my stomach. And Goblins and dust and mold.”
“What do I do if I get super-lost? Remember that street name. Squiggly line…got it. And if I can’t remember it or find my way back? Amsterdam, chess tournament. Start crying and ask where mom is…No, wait, I’m older now. Uh—uh—”
“And a sword. I need a sword. And a shield? And armor? And, uh, anti-Goblin spray? Oh, and books! Tons of books. Maps, history books…can I read any of that? Well, Relc and Klbkch speak English. So that’s weird too. And I need bandages, a sewing needle, someone to teach me how to sew…”
“Drassi! This is the eleventh time this week! I’ve told you again and again, stop gossiping. I don’t care what your class is—enough. You’re friendly, but you’re also fired.”
“What, the Mage’s Guild? You can’t read, Miss Human? Right, you don’t read Drake script. Are you looking for the Mage’s Guild? Runner’s Guild? Adventurer’s Guild? An inn to stay in? Stables? The Watch, maybe? I’m Drassi.”
“Am I an innkeeper? Is that what this world is doing to me?”
“—by the tribes and fur knots. All the lice in Izril! All the lice in Izril and—and Raskghar on these stupid paving stones!”
“Real mages. That is so cool.”
“Typical. You go for the top half because the antlers are worth money to the [Alchemists]. Nevermind the intestines being good for sausage or all the organs like the liver and—stop growling at me. I know, Shield Spiders. Damn it. Alright…let me check the quality of the meat. Give me a few minutes. And get a bucket of water and wash yourself off. You’re going to attract Acid Flies.”
“Um. Hi. Are you—are you a wolf-person?”
“To go to the city or not, that is the question. Actually, there’s no question. I need to go to the city. I need to go…shopping.”
“Great. They’re like cockroaches. Evil, giant, green cockroaches. With teeth. And sharp knives. And red eyes.”
“If you’ve got a bounty—Shield Spiders—I’ll process it now. But this Human was just asking directions. You can’t just kick someone out who—”
“I dropped it once, okay? It’s not bad, no! And as for cutting it in half—I thought I saw a Shield Spider nest near me. They would have been over the kill—and me—in minutes. The hide’s fine. You can make boots out of what’s here. How much for it all?”
“Begone.”
“Even instant ramen would be nice. Is that too much to ask?”
“I’ll grow a huge beer belly and start hauling around kegs of ale. That’s what innkeepers do, right?”
“And I need to rob a bank.”
“Horses eat grass, but I’ll pass, so I’ll go to the city fast. Or I’ll die of starvation! And once I’m there, I’ll eat ten pears and—hey, is that a Goblin?”
“…Right. It’s just that I’m new here. And I’m Human. Nice to meet you. My name is Erin. I, uh, know another guy who works with you. Relc? And Klb…Klb…the insect guy? So yeah. They know me. I’m no threat. And, uh, I saw some Goblins running around a while back. They’re not here right now, but I felt you should know.”
“—broke up again. Hawk can’t keep a girlfriend for more than a month, Courier and gold or not. It’s his obsession with vegetables.”
“Well, I can’t leave the desk, but I can give you some directions. No wonder you were lost—you can’t read any of the signs, can you? Your people normally stick to the north; Esthelm’s as far as most get. What brings you out so far? Oh, and what are you looking for?”
“I don’t want Humans in here. You don’t belong.”
“That must be city hall or something. And the place with the wand—was that a magic shop…do they teach magic there? Do they sell wands? Wow. Wow. And I just need to find…a regular people shop.”
“Hold on, now. She’s just lost.”
“Er…apologies, Miss Human. We don’t see many of your kind around here, yes? A [Trader], a traveller? No need to apologize. [Broader Shoulders] means only I can carry a deer back! Half of one, at any rate. If only I had a bag of holding large enough for an entire deer, eh? I wouldn’t make a Human help me lift one of these!”
“A Human? We haven’t seen one of them in…I wonder if another trade caravan’s getting here?”
“Well, if it’s food and general supplies you’re looking for, try the market two streets down from here. To get to it, just take a left as you walk out of here and then turn right, and you’ll be there in no time. They’d also have some clothes there, but I’m not sure if they have any made for Humans. What kind of teleportation spell did that? You mean, people teleportation? Gone wrong? That would be a huge scandal. Anyways, the market will have everything you need.”
“Sorry? Sorry? When this wheel runs over your foot, no healing potion in the world is going to get it back. Do you think I want that on my conscience?”
“Oh no. I’m, uh, an innkeeper. I guess. Or maybe a wanderer? Actually, I’m just new around here.”
“It’s far. But I have to go. Maybe? Yes…no. No? Yes. I need food. And I need to feed my guests. It’s my duty as an innkeeper.”
“…Just the lamp.”
“Humans.”
“Tribes and tribulations. Excuse me, Miss. Watch the blood. If that [Guardsman] asks…pretend you never saw me. I’ve got to get this to the [Butchers] before the Acid Flies are all over.”
“What? But I can work harder! Come on, Mister Drells…”
“An [Innkeeper], is it? Are you opening up a business here? Humans almost never move to Liscor. I’m Selys, by the way. I should have said so from the start. My apologies.”
“That’s because Humans can’t smell anything.”
“Oh. Yeah. Um, I’m really sorry about that. It’s just that I’ve been sort of fending for myself, and I didn’t have a change of clothes so—”
“They never mentioned innkeepers in the legend of King Arthur. Or did they?”
“Oh, no! I’m, um—sorry I didn’t help? Sorry you fell?”
“Um. A teleportation spell got me here? And I need food. Flour, oil, butter, salt…that kind of thing. And I need clothing. Lots of clothing. And toothpaste!”
“Do I look like a Wolf Beastkin?”
“Humans.”
“Oh, I see! No worries, Miss Human. You’re just in the wrong spot, but I can give you directions if you’d like.”
“That’s quite alright. Not everyone needs to use an Adventurer’s Guild. Most never will, hopefully. If you’ve never needed any services, let me give you the basic explanation. Here you can let the Guild know about dangerous monsters in your area, post quests and offer rewards, or if you’re an adventurer yourself, you can go look at assignments or receive your reward.”
“Oh, that’s great. Thank you so much. About how I got here—I don’t know if it was an accident or me—maybe teleportation! But um. Right now I’m just trying to get by. So the market is two streets down and left and right…?”
“I’m a Gnoll.”
“Where’s the other half? You didn’t skin it first? You’ve ruined the hide—and there’s dirt on this part! Did you drag it back?”
“Get out of the way, you idiot!”
“I’m Erin. Erin Solstice. And no, I’m not, uh, innkeeping here. I live outside the city. In an inn a ways away. I guess. I just came here, because I needed to go shopping. Badly.”
“Are you blind? Stay on the sidewalk! I nearly ran you over!”
“They lied to me.”
“Shoo!”
“Good day, Miss. How can we help you today? Do you have a bounty or request to post? Or are you registering?”
“Didn’t they have one back in your city?”
“Unless I go to the city.”
“Oh, hush. He’s fine. He’s more Drake than you are. I’m just saying—”
“You just gave me a damned Corusdeer. Half of one.”
“Right. A lamp! And a sword.”
“Excuse me—um—what’s this building? I can’t read…”
“Yes. And?”
“Who’d want to eat blue fruits all day? Raise your hand if that sounds like fun.”
“Well, that settles that. I’m off to the city.”
“Um. Clothing. Right. And soap. And a toothbrush, if they have toothbrushes. And toothpaste…which they probably don’t have. But something. And I need food obviously, more soap, towels, laundry deter—more soap, and a comb.”
“I don’t have time for this. I’ve got a delivery to run. Sidewalk! Use it!”
“Uh, is this a store?”
“This is the Adventurer’s Guild. That lot didn’t tip you off?”
“You’re in my way. This is for adventurers.”
“Plus, I need to feed my guests.”
“Go on in, Human. Anyone can enter the city. The gates close at sundown.”
“You sure it’s not him being…him, Drassi?”
“One side, Human! Stop blocking the way!”
“Okay. Okay. I was lost before. I can do this.”
“Registering? Quest? Oh no, I’m not here for…uh, anything. I just thought this might be a store, so I…”
“I’m in trouble. Yup, yup. It’s amazing these things lose so much taste after only a few days.”
“Guess I’ve gotta go to the stream. Who knew washing your hands was so much work?”
“R-really? I can’t smell anything.”
“Sorry! We overheard, yes?”
“I’m also looking for a place to get some other supplies. I don’t suppose you know where—”
“Right. I’m very sorry about that. Um. Can I help you?”
“But why does it have to be so far away from anything?”
“Flat grass, flat grass, all I see is flat grass.”
“No! I mean, I’m just looking around. Nice to meet…I’m just looking for a—a store!”
“Apologies, Miss. Was I in your way?”
“Excuse me, Miss. Are you waiting in line for…?”
“What kind of store?”
“Ah, hello? We can help you over here.”
“The Adventurer’s Guild?”
“Is—is there something else you want?”
“Thirty minutes. No; probably an hour. Yeah, that sounds about right.”
“Clothing. Food. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. And a lamp.”
“N—I mean, I’ve never been in one before.”
“Are you a traveller, Miss? Or maybe…an adventurer? Are you here to register?”
“Rubbery.”
“So, what do I need?”
“That’s a big wall.”
“I’ll just be going. Now.”
“Yes? No?”
“S-sorry. I just didn’t see—”
“Oops, sorry. Uh, where am I?”
“Wow.”
“Um. Nice weather, isn’t it?”
“Right. Well. I’m sorry about that.”
“Right. Sorry. Sorry about that.”
“What’s essential?”
“I’m sorry!”
“Uh—I—just looking, thanks!”
“Oh, I’m really sorry. What was that you were saying?”
“Right. Thanks. Uh, have a nice day!”
“N-no?”
“There.”
“…Hi.”
“The…”
“Huh?”
“Wow. That’s a big hill.”